Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Ventura

California
183

Charleston is 30% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 29%
$90,038/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 12%
$469,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 66%
$1,688/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 25%
152,014
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $10,369/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Ventura — common questions

Is Charleston or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Ventura?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Ventura?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $10,369/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and California?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Ventura details →

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